Lots of people have been asking about some problems with Windows PC computers slowing down lately, spyware, & spam - so I want to throw a quick cheat sheet together on a few things you can do to speed up your systems.UPDATED Feb 2009

No beyotching on how Linux or MAC does this or that, they have their own issues (though not to the extent of Windows boxes)

Dr Web CureIT - this will do an initial scan for viruses and Trojans, once done, run the complete scan. You may be promoted to move or delete - yes, do it. However, I am not responsible if you remove something important - not likely but conceivable something important is infected.
I DO NOT Take Responsibility for ANY problems you may have with your potentially INFECTED computer

After the initial scan, do a complete scan - it will take a while.

Once this is done:

:::: Defrag Your Hard Drive ::::

Go to Program Files > Accessories > System Tools > Defragment. Even if you run an analyze and it says you don't need it, do it anyway. Run it three times in the first week if you have not run in a while (or never). Do this once a month - bets way to remember is beginning of the month. Weekly is even better.

:::: PATCH PATCH PATCH ::::

Run Windows Update at least once a month OR setup for Automatic Updates.
Beware, on a RARE occasion, a patch from Microsoft can break things. I run updates a little differently for my clients but this offers a minimum reasonable protection.

:::: MEMORY MEMORY MEMORY ::::

If you have between 256 and 512 MB of ram, you will likely run dog slow. Memory is cheap. Upgrade your computer from 1GB to 2GB of RAM. The easiest place to get what you need with reasonable prices is: http://crucial.com/

Memory is EASY to replace but there can be a hiccup on occasion. If it doesn’t work, put the old stuff back in where it came out. Here is a decent video on how to change memory – SPEND the $3 on the anti-static wrist strap!!!

Here is a quick link to a video on how to change RAM:

If your computer is older than 4-5 years, start looking for a new one – Good deals can often be found at Slickdeals.net: http://slickdeals.net/

I you subscribe to Comcast internet then anti-virus software is FREE....currently offering Norton 360. There are a lot of other tools for tuning up your computer included....e.g., Registry Cleaner, Internet History file cleaner, temp folder cleaner, defrager, etc...

Given the diversity of the human species, there is no “normal” human genome sequence. We are all mutants.

John (or anyone) I'm having an issue with a Win32/mebroot trojan. ESET detects it, but can't clean it. Malwarebytes, Dr. Web didn't even detect it. I'm on my work computer now, but do you know if the other ones you have recommended in this thread will clean it (Avast and AVG). I'll try them when I get home anyway, but what are my options if they can't either? am I SOL?

John (or anyone) I'm having an issue with a Win32/mebroot trojan. ESET detects it, but can't clean it. Malwarebytes, Dr. Web didn't even detect it. I'm on my work computer now, but do you know if the other ones you have recommended in this thread will clean it (Avast and AVG). I'll try them when I get home anyway, but what are my options if they can't either? am I SOL?

Is this pretty much up to date? I just got my mom a Dell outlet machine for light web browsing and word processing... When it comes in I'll probably reformat it to remove all the bloatware, then set it up for her so it's (relatively) protected.

I know little about free anti-virus /malware software, so if you could suggest any improvements JR, that would be great.